The Islamic Republic of Iranian Railways, also known as Rai, said in a statement Tuesday that CEO Jabbar Ali Zakeri visited Turkmen Capital of Ashgabat earlier this week to discuss plans to expand railway transport between the two countries. .
The statement said at a meeting held on Thursday that Zakeri and his Turkmen counterpart Azat Atamuradov agreed to increase the volume of annual freight transport between the two countries to 10 million tonnes (MT) until the end of 2027. Ta.
The two railway chiefs also agreed that representatives from Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Russia should hold regular meetings to discuss freight transport arrangements between the four countries. did.
Zakeri said the meeting will be key to efforts to increase freight transport from Russia to Pakistan via Iran and Turkmenistan railways.
He said Iran aims to open a railway connection to Turkmenistan through the border intersection of Lottfabad, adding that Iran’s customs office will offer significant discounts on freight transport through the intersection. .
Atamradov, who heads Turkmenistan’s railway agency, said after the meeting, his country could soon add two new railway tracks to existing facilities at the Sarahus border, increasing freight between him and Iran. He said.
Iran has expanded its road and rail network in recent years, increasing its revenue from freight transport between regional countries.
Figures released earlier this month by the Iranian Ministry of Transport (MRUD) showed that in the 10 months ended January 19 it rose 27% year-on-year to around 15 million mt.
MNA